When you are a Stand-in, you are there to do just that. Depending on the actor you are there to stand in for, you may be very excited to work with that actor, but you have to remain professional. Same goes with the crew, especially the director, producers, etc... Please do not chat with the actors, or with crew, for the most part. Keep any conversations to a minimum, especially while actually doing the job. If someone starts speaking with you, asking how you are etc -by all means respond, but don’t take that as an invitation to now start a chatty exchange. The actors normally have lines to remember, or they are getting into character, or may simply not want to chit-chat and just want to be cordial but that is it. Be prepared that some actors don’t like to talk to their Stand-ins. Don’t take it personally. Not all actors are comfortable with the idea of having a Stand-in, for various reasons that have nothing to do with you. Bottom line: if you are talking to the actors, without the conversation being initiated by the actor, or if you are too chatty with them, that is usually not a job that is going to last for you ;-) This rule usually applies to the crew as well. It’s not to say that the crew wont be friendly and that you shouldn’t be as well, but remember, the crew has work to do, and so do you!. Chatty Stand-ins cause a distraction ;-) Remember, “low-key is the key!”

6. Breaks and Cell Phone Use:

When you are dismissed and Cast steps in to shoot, this is the appropriate time for you to grab a snack or use the bathroom. You always need to tell an AD or PA where you are going. This is also the only time, other than lunch, for you to look at your phone or other electronics, for a brief time.

Keep your cell phone/ electronics use to a minimum. Not only because you need to be paying attention to when you are being called for and/or needed, but also because of safety. This may also seem to go without saying, but never have your cell phone out while actually standing in...even if it is at a moment when you think things are quiet and it might be ok to just peek at your phone to “check that quick text that just popped in,” etc.. From a SAFETY standpoint, there are a lot of moving parts on a set and you cannot let your guard down for a minute. Even when you are on the sidelines, please only use your phone (for any of it’s uses) when you have been told by the AD’s to relax and/or you are completely certain you have a few minutes to do this. Other than that, you need to keep your “head in the game” without having a huge text conversation going on that will distract you, too many phone calls, etc..

7. Call times/call sheets/Confirming:

Even if you are a regular Stand-in on a project, please ALWAYs confirm your info, EVERY NIGHT! Even if you were handed a call sheet at the end of the night, BY an A.D., we have no way of knowing that, and you could have easily been wrapped early in the day instead, etc... Also, often times, call sheets are revised and a final version can be released after you have left, as well as the AD telling us a verbal change, sometimes. ALWAYS, our info we send you is the final word, and it is important that we know you have the right info. We hired you, and you are are our responsibility ultimately. Please, also confirm in a timely manner. When we haven’t heard from you, we will be concerned and have to track you down. Thanks in advance! It takes just a moment to reply to us with a “Got it” and then we can breathe easy.

3. Being On Time:

Being on-time in our business means EARLY especially with Stand-ins. Make sure you allow time for traffic, weather, set two alarms, etc… The Director, DP, and 1st AD need you to be ready and on set, at call, so they can discuss the scene.

The crew should never be waiting on you to arrive and get to the set. Being ready means that you’ve already had breakfast, checked in with the PA, and are wearing your color-cover. Make sure you arrive early enough to do these things. Whatever your “call time” for that day, you should plan on arriving 45 min early just to allow for the morning routine once you get to set.

THANK YOU!! NOW GO AND HAVE A PROFESSIONAL AND ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE ON THE SET!